Eight Foods You Should Eat Everyday

RobinMillerMD

Posted: Oct 29, 07 10:42am

Most of us have very busy schedules and eating a healthy diet can be a real challenge. But knowing your priorities can help. Here are eight items to put at the top of your "must-eat" list:

Yogurt: It's a good source of calcium and it can help keep your digestive system working smoothly. Buy the kind that has probiotics, or live cultures, and make sure you get the low-fat variety.

Spinach: A great vegetable that's rich in beta-carotene and the B vitamins (1,2,3,5, and 6). B5 may help those who suffer from anxiety and B6 may help prevent depression. It is rich in folate, which is so important for pregnant women, and for all of us in terms of stroke prevention and general health.

Tomatoes: A diet rich in tomatoes (which contain lycopene, an antioxidant compound) has been linked with a lower incidence of cancers in the upper digestive tract. Men who regularly eat cooked tomatoes are less likely to develop prostate cancer (ten servings a week cut prostate cancer risk by a third).

Carrots: One carrot a day will fulfill your vitamin A requirement. They are a great source of fiber and promote healthy eyesight.

Black beans: Black beans are packed with protein, fiber and anti-oxidants. They need to be a staple for anyone who is a strict vegetarian.

Blueberries: These colorful berries have the richest content of antioxidants of all fruits and vegetables.

Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are good for your brain, heart, and overall health. A recent study found that when they were added to a Mediterranean diet, they helped to lower bad cholesterol levels more than being on the diet alone. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants.

Oats: Oats are considered a cleansing grain because they are very high in fiber. They have been found to lower cholesterol and are rich in B vitamins and vitamin E. When eaten as oatmeal in the morning, the beta glucan (a chemical in the oats) causes a very slow release of sugar into the body. This helps to keep you from getting hungry until lunch or snack time.